OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Security Forces Squadron held various events across the base from May 13 through May 17, 2024, to honor and celebrate National Police Week here.
The annual observance dates to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Jim Pillen, Nebraska governor, spoke to a crowd of first responders during police week opening ceremony at Offutt.
“The highest calling of government is to keep the people safe,” Pillen said. “I can’t say thank you enough to everyone here for answering the call from the police, to the sheriffs, to the state patrol, keeping us safe. We make sure through our history that we remember the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
During this week, Lt. Col. Andrew Ferguson, 55th Security Forces Squadron commander, wanted to share a piece of the security forces culture with the community.
“My military law enforcement professionals and our civilian police counterparts are not the same. Our security forces airmen and navy master of arms personnel often serve far from home,” Ferguson said. “They safeguard Department of Defense assets and personnel on military installations, on ships and in combat zones across the globe.”
Noting the difference between military and civilian police, Ferguson also spoke concerning their differences bringing them together.
“Beyond this difference, what we share with our civilian law enforcement professionals is much deeper and more significant,” Ferguson said. “Whether military police or civilian police, we put on our uniforms, lace up our boots, strap on our body armor, arm up and go to work to serve and protect.”
Some security forces personnel and team Offutt members participated in various events across the base from a memorial service to honor their fallen, shooting competition, military working dog skills demonstration, tasing, oleoresin capsicum spray or pepper spray challenge, obstacle course and ending the week with a golf tournament.
Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Schultz, 55th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, wanted to show those under him why it was important for them to participate in these events.
“As a senior leader and their first sergeant, I wanted to endure the things that they endure on a day-to-day that connects me close to the mission set and show them if I can do it, they can do it and hopefully to be an inspiration and motivation for them to suit up every day,” Schultz said.